The same group found Georgia to be the 20th most dangerous state and could locate only six other states with a less healthy populace.

That said, we did rank third in the percentage of smokers who attempted to quit in 2004, according to statehealthfacts.org.

Only 24 states produce more milk than Georgia. The 2004 American Community Survey found Georgia had the seventh highest percentage of people who carpool to work.

We also - and this shouldn't be underrated - rank 8th in total number of roller coasters.

We're just too fat to ride two to a seat.

- Beth Jones, staff

'Anime Bento' comes to Beechwood

"Anime Bento: Four Nights, Four Servings," a four-day festival showcasing some of the hottest anime films never before seen on the big screen, is coming to Beechwood Stadium Cinemas on Alps Road beginning Sept. 19.

The festival, which will be held at theatres throughout the metro Atlanta area and more than 250 theatres nationwide, is being presented by NCM Phantom, which hopes to make "Anime Bento" an annual event.

Films in the series include "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles," which will be screened Sept. 19, "Full Metal Alchemist: The Movie - Conqueror of Shambala" Sept. 20, "Lupin the III: The Castle of Cagliostro" Sept. 26 and "Karas - The Prophecy" Sept. 27.

Tickets for "Anime Bento" can be purchased at the Beechwood box office or online at www.fathom events.com.

- Staff reports

Hoot hosts its annual Folk Festival Preview

On Sept. 10, the monthly Hoot will feature a preview of the upcoming North Georgia Folk Festival, which scheduled for Oct. 6 at Sandy Creek Park.

Past, present and future musicians from the Folk Festival stage will be on the Hoot roster, including The Solstice Sisters (Maggie Hunter, Anna Durden and Susan Staley) singing Carter family and other old Appalachian songs as well as swing tunes and originals in lovely three-part harmony.

In celebration of his 90th birthday, Earl Murphy will play some old-time and western swing fiddle tunes. He'll be followed by one of Athens' best acoustic guitarists, Paul Lombard, who'll do some finger picking and sing some old blues songs. And the fabulously named duo Hawk-Proof Rooster, featuring Charlie and Nancy Hartness, will bring their old-time, neo-traditional music on ukulele, banjo, fiddle and guitar. The Hoot is set for 8-10 p.m. at the Melting Point and as always, is free. For more information, visit athensfolk.org or call Susan Staley at (706) 208-0985.